‘I’m furious’ – Patrick Vieira accuses Strasbourg players of ‘thinking about holidays’

“I’m not even disappointed. I’m furious,” said Patrick Vieira, turning that old parents’ saying on its head. The Frenchman lambasted RC Strasbourg Alsace’s display against Le Havre AC (3-1), accusing his players of already being on the beach, mentally speaking at least.

Strasbourg are in a minority of teams that have nothing to play for at the end of the season. Their good work in March and the start of April have allowed Vieira’s side to finish the campaign serenely, having at one point been threatened by relegation. That run included three wins in four games and it lifted them to mid-table. 

However, they have since taken their foot off the gas and have lost three on the bounce. RCSA’s dip in form will be inconsequential but it has not prevented them from bearing the wrath of Vieira, who was left “furious” with Les Alsaciens’ latest defeat. 

“I’m furious because we can’t have such a pitiful game in terms of attitude, in terms of the mindset and in terms of the respect for competition. I can’t accept that. Certainly, the players may already be thinking about their holidays. Perhaps they think we are already safe,” said Vieira post-match. FC Metz’s defeat to Stade Rennais (3-2) later that evening confirmed Strasbourg’s status as a Ligue 1 team for next season, however, Vieira has made it clear that he expects a reaction from his youthful side in the final two games of the season. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle